Dubai to host Asian Tour's final event of the season in December

Dubai: Dubai is all set to play host to the Asian Tour's final event of 2014 in December, emphasizing the power of the golf industry in the country and across the region.

The Dubai Open, as the tournament will be called, is being promoted and organised by 'golf in DUBAi', who are an old hand at staging high-profile sporting events like the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters and the MENA Golf Tour.

As part of a three-year agreement with the Asian Tour, 'golf in Dubai' will manage all aspects of its end-of-year spectacular that has the potential to become one of the most illustrious stops on the region's premier Tour.

The event will be a welcome addition to the city's growing portfolio of world-class events.

The landscape of Dubai has changed dramatically since the city first hosted an international golf tournament -- the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in 1989 -- and today the sport has become a key component of Dubai's ambitious drive to host 20 million visitors annually by 2020, the year the city will host the World Expo.

Talks with prospective sponsors and different Dubai golf clubs are at an advanced stage and 'golf in DUBAi' will soon announce the official title, the venue and dates of the newest Asian Tour tournament in the city.

"The arrival of the Asian Tour is very exciting news for all of us in Dubai and we are extremely confident of delivering the event in sync with Dubai's reputation as an ideal golfing destination," said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi.

"We feel honoured that the Asian Tour has placed its trust in us and we will strive to deliver a memorable week for its members and the UAE fans," he said, adding, "Events like this will continue to strengthen our strong historical ties with Asia."

Asian Tour Chairman Kyi Hla Han was equally upbeat about the success of what he called an important stop in Dubai.

"With so many prestigious tournaments, in particular the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, happening out there, the city is ideally placed to capitalise on its unique position as a diverse and high quality golfing destination," Hla Han said.

"We feel proud and privileged to join hands with an organisation whose track record for hosting international golf tournaments is second to none. The Asian Tour is delighted to be coming to Dubai and I am sure our players will be very excited to compete in this new and exciting event in December.

"As a players' organisation, the Asian Tour is represented by an eclectic mix of the finest players from across the region and internationally and we look forward to entertaining golf fans in Dubai," he added.